Robert Vincent Rome

Robert V. Rome, 78, of Rocky Mount, Va., passed away suddenly Thursday morning, March 5, 2009, at his home. He was born in Homestead, Pa., to the late Peter L. Rome and Ruth Evelyn McComb, of Pittsburg, Pa. Robert served proudly in the United States Army from 1949 to 1952, and received an honorable discharge. He retired from Transue-Williams in Alliance, Ohio, after a lengthy career as a crane operator. Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by his first wife, Lucille Mae Shoemaker Rome, of Magodore, Ohio; his second wife, Grace Montgomery Rome, of Alliance, Ohio; and brother, Harry John Rome, of Newark, Ohio. He is survived by his beloved sister, Evelynne Rash Davis and brother-in-law Ronald Davis, of Rocky Mount; sister, Johanne June Guess, of Indianapolis, Ind.; and numerous nieces, nephews and their children. Robert moved to Rocky Mount in November 2007 and became a member of Sandy Ridge Baptist Church. He enjoyed fishing, bingo, bowling, gardening and dancing, and was especially grateful for his caring family and friends. Funeral services will be conducted 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2009, from Lynch Conner-Bowman Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Joe Dillon officiating. Interment will follow in the Sandy Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery with Military Honors. Robert loved life and wished that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Lynch Conner-Bowman Funeral Home, 140 Floyd Avenue, Rocky Mount, Va.